Proclamation: Ben Seibels Public Works

Ben Siebels from our Public Works Department was honored for his role in working tirelessly to operate equipment to assist on scene at the apartment fire in January.

WHEREAS, on this day, the Fairbanks community pauses to reflect and recognize public servants whose actions, quick thinking and teamwork saved the lives of 13 people; and

WHEREAS, at or about 3:50 am on January 29th, 2014 dispatchers, police, fire, and public works staff from the City of Fairbanks, as well as responders from Fort Wainwright Fire and Emergency Services, University Fire Department, Steese Volunteer Fire Department, Chena Goldstream Fire and Rescue, North Star Fire Department, and the North Pole Fire Department responded to a mutual-aid structure fire at a multi-use commercial building and apartment complex located at 3550 Geraghty Street; and

WHEREAS, City of Fairbanks public works staff responded by swiftly providing site security, traffic control and emergency thawing of storm drains that mitigated the freezing and contamination hazard potential of the 1.2 million gallons of water used to subdue and contain the fire; and

WHEREAS, exemplary leadership, decisive actions and teamwork led to the saving of 13 lives and the containment of a large and destructive fire:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Luke Hopkins, Mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and I, John Eberhart, Mayor of the City of Fairbanks, and I, Bryce Ward, Mayor of the City of North Pole, recognize the selfless service, teamwork and professionalism of all who responded to the rescue and fire-fighting effort the morning of January 29th, 2014.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 24th day of February, 2014.
(Amber)